Living in Portal, North Dakota, with a dog means sharing a life under the big, open sky. Our pups thrive on the freedom of our prairies and the quiet of our small-town life. But sometimes, you want to give your furry friend a special kind of adventure—one that goes beyond the daily walk. That's where the idea of a "dog camp" comes in. While we don't have a dedicated canine summer camp right in Portal, the spirit of adventure for you and your dog is alive and well right here in our corner of the state.

First, let's redefine "camp." For us, it's less about a formal, distant facility and more about creating a shared outdoor experience. The true gems are our local and regional parks. Consider a day trip to the International Peace Garden, just a scenic drive north. While leashes are required, the expansive gardens and peaceful trails offer a sensory feast for your dog, with new smells and sights at every turn. It’s a perfect, structured outing that feels like a mini-vacation for you both.

For the more rugged camper, the Turtle Mountain State Forest area provides a fantastic backdrop for a dog-friendly camping trip. Before you go, practice setting up your tent in your Portal backyard with your pup. Get them used to sleeping in a new environment with their familiar bed. This simple step prevents a nervous night for both of you when you're miles from home. Always pack a dedicated dog kit: extra water (more than you think!), a sturdy long-line leash for safe exploration at the campsite, paw protection for rough terrain, and current vaccination records—just in case.

Now, for the social butterfly pups: the closest structured "camp" experiences are likely found in larger centers like Minot or Williston. These might include supervised daycare with agility play or even training workshops. My actionable tip? Use your local network. Ask your vet at the Portal Clinic or fellow pet owners at the post office if they know of any organized group hikes or training seminars in the region. Sometimes the best opportunities are shared through word-of-mouth in our tight-knit community.

The ultimate takeaway? You don't have to travel far to give your dog a camp-like experience. Dedicate a Saturday to exploring a new section of the Coteau des Prairies with your dog, ending with a picnic. Enroll in a refresher obedience course in a nearby town to engage their brain. The goal is to break the routine and strengthen your bond. Here in Portal, adventure is measured in shared moments of discovery under the vast North Dakota sky, with your best four-legged friend by your side.